By Karl Furlong
As long as you don't take on the BMW X6 at the traffic lights, the facelifted Q8 is still a sublime luxury SUV.
Q8
- Make
- Audi
- Segment
- SUV
Most of the headlines at Audi over the last few months have revolved around its growing electric e-tron lineup, but the brand still builds some formidable gas-powered models, and this facelifted Q8 is one of them. A mid-size SUV that competes with the BMW X6, the 2024 Q8 arrives with updated styling, an improved list of standard features, and the same turbocharged V6 engine with mild-hybrid assistance. That's a little disappointing since the pre-facelift Q8 was already outgunned by the X6. However, the Audi is a tough one to beat for sheer style, luxury, and technology.
When Is The Audi Q8 Coming Out?
The release date for the 2024 Audi Q8 in the USA is set for the first quarter of 2024.
2024 Audi Q8 Price And Competition
The price of the 2024 Audi Q8 starts at $73,700 for the Premium trim. The MSRP rises to $77,800 for the Premium Plus and $85,900 for the Prestige. All prices exclude a destination and delivery fee of $1,195.
Other coupe-style SUV rivals in this segment include the BMW X6 and Mercedes' GLE Coupe. The X6 starts at an MSRP of $73,900 and was also substantially upgraded for the 2024 model year. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is more comparable to the Audi SQ8 (reviewed separately) with its 429-horsepower output and cost of almost $90k.
New Audi Q8 Exterior And Colors
While some Audis have a habit of flying under the radar due to their understated styling - think A6 sedan or Q5 SUV - the same can't be said of the Q8. From any angle, the exterior of this facelifted Audi Q8 grabs your attention.
High-intensity Matrix-design LED headlights are standard. Optionally, HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser light are available with a new digital daytime running light signature.
Daytime running lights are now situated higher up to enhance the perception of width, while the taillights are linked to the driver-assistance systems. There is also a new rear diffuser, while the dual exhaust outlets have a new slimmer shape.
The latest Audi Singleframe grille comes with vertical inlays, while models with the S line exterior package have inlays in the shape of an L. New air intakes are fitted, but Audi has reduced the decorative elements for a purer overall look. Black and Black Plus optics packages are available to darken the exterior elements.
Notably, the latest Q8 displays the brand's new corporate identity with two-dimensional Audi rings that debuted on the Q8 e-tron. These rings are finished in contrasting white and black instead of the traditional chrome, while the model name is also displayed on the B-pillar.
Five new wheel designs have been added with sizes between 21 and 23 inches. However, the largest wheel size will likely be reserved for the SQ8. As far as colors for the Audi Q8 are concerned, a new addition is Sakhir Gold. Other colors include Carrara White, Glacier White, Mythos Black, Samurai Gray, Satellite Silver, and Waitomo Blue.
Overall, the changes work well, and Q8 cues like the sloping roofline, short overhangs, and long wheelbase remain to create one of the brand's most striking vehicles.
Audi Q8 Dimensions
The dimensions of the 2024 Audi Q8 are largely the same as before. It has a length of 196 inches, while the height is 67 inches. From mirror to mirror, the width is 86 inches, and the wheelbase is 118 inches.
The curb weight is 5,500 pounds, so this is a fairly heavy beast.
Audi Q8 Engine And Performance
Although there are multiple powertrains for the Q8 in Europe, including diesels, the engine in the US-bound Audi Q8 will remain unchanged, as will its rather unremarkable specs. The sole 55 TFSI quattro powertrain is a 3.0-liter six-cylinder mill with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system making 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The brand's famous quattro all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed automatic transmission smoothly put that power down.
As far as performance goes, the 0-60 mph time is 5.5 seconds. That makes it slower than the X6 xDrive40i (now with 375 hp) that does the same sprint in 5.2 seconds. However, many customers won't be able to discern this performance difference, and it shouldn't put you off considering the Q8.
The towing capacity of 7,700 lbs adds another layer of capability to the Q8 package, and this is one of the reasons to still go for the gas Q8 over the electric Q8 e-tron.
An adaptive damping suspension is standard for the Q8 and rear-wheel steering is optional. The steering system has been improved for greater ease of use in environments like garages or parking lots.
Gas Mileage
EPA estimates for the 2024 Q8 aren't out yet, but it should match the gas mileage of the 2023 model. That means 18/23/20 mpg city/highway/combined for the six-cylinder engine. The range works out to a decent 450 miles thanks to the fairly large 22.5-gallon gas tank.
Audi Q8 Interior And Cargo
The general design and layout of the new Audi Q8 SUV's interior is similar to that of the pre-facelift model, which already had a thoroughly modern and upscale cabin. On the base trim, the leather comes in black, Okapi Brown, Pando Gray, or Saiga Beige. On the top Prestige trim, there are only three color choices, including Sarder Brown. This derivative is also available with extended leather and a Dinamica headliner.
Park and high beam assist and a convenience key are now standard, while Audi says the surround-view system has been upgraded. Drivers still face the Audi virtual co*ckpit, which includes information like lane change warnings and a distance warning from other vehicles. An expanded range of apps is available, with passengers now able to access apps from third-party providers like Amazon Music and Spotify for the first time. Thanks to regular software updates, the availability of apps will continue to improve.
As before, the center console features dual screens, the top one being reserved for infotainment duties and the bottom for climate settings. Being a facelifted model, the cargo space in the latest Audi Q8 still offers 30.5 cubic feet of volume behind the second row. Together with excellent second-row space, the Q8's focus on style has not come at the expense of practicality. Upper Q8 trims offer features like a head-up display, ventilated front seats, and four-zone climate control.
